counsel
English meaning: Counsel
Definition
The exchange of opinions and advice especially in legal issues; consultation.
Example
“The accused was advised by his counsel not to answer the question.”
Another example: “She wisely sought legal counsel before signing the contract.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A formal noun, chiefly legal: advice (especially professional or legal), or the lawyer(s) giving it ('defence counsel', 'King's Counsel'). Note: 'counsel' (advice/lawyer) is distinct from 'council' (a body of people). 'Keep your own counsel' means to stay silent.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'consilium' (deliberation, advice), from 'consulere' (to consult), via Old French 'conseil'.
Synonyms
- advocate
- advise
- guidance
- direction
- counselor
- counsellor
- counseling
- counselor-at-law
Related Words
- bencher
- solicitor
- subcommittee
- litigation
- recorder
- defendant
- attorneys
- prosecutor
- attorney
- judiciary
Common Collocations
- legal counsel
- seek counsel
- defence counsel
- wise counsel
- counsel for the defence
- keep one's own counsel
Word Forms
counsel (n); counsel (v); counselled/counseled; counselling
Word Tools
Tools & Calculators
Maturity = 146,932.81 · Interest earned = 46,932.81
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B